The fact that Rapid Robert accomplished the feat first is not in dispute, but the assertion that he is the only pitcher to do so is entirely in error. In light of the attention the game received at the time, one might think the game would be well-remembered, but like much of Negro Leagues history it fell into obscurity for many baseball aficionados. The Army had drafted Day on September 1, , and he had served in the th Amphibian Battalion β with which he had landed at Utah Beach on D-Day β before being discharged in February The usual pre-game ceremonies and parade will attend the occasion.
Mayor Vincent J. Once the game began, the fans in attendance were not disappointed. Although Day was pitching brilliantly, the umpires and official scorer did make some questionable calls in the game. On the questionable play, Felder fielded a grounder cleanly but hesitated on his throw and then unleashed a wild one to first as he tried to nail the runner in time. Doby stole second base and then, after Irvin flied out, the most notorious play of the game occurred.
As Doby steamed around third base, Cash received the relay throw from Dennis. Doby slid into home plate head first as Cash stretched forward and applied the tag. The fact that Strauch was a white man turned this baseball fracas into a potential race riot as there were also white fans in attendance. Both benches emptied as players tried to separate Cash and Curry from Strauch. Fans also spilled onto the field, and a general melee ensued.
The police were called in, and it took mounted officers and foot patrolmen 30 minutes to restore order in the ballpark. Before play resumed, Cash was ejected and was replaced at catcher by Pete Jones.
Curry also was expelled, but he refused to go quietly. Then he went back out and finished his no-hitter. The last one was up around his eyes.
